Once given the choice, Sam opted not to wear a lifejacket, viewing it as a way to assert independence and fit in with the mindset of many teenagers who prioritize appearance and the perception of being “cool” over safety. While Sam always kept a lifejacket nearby, the decision not to wear one reflects a common attitude among youth who sometimes see safety gear as restrictive or unnecessary.
Subject 10's Experience
Sam C. – Powerboater
Sam grew up around the water and has extensive experience with kayaks, paddleboards, and powerboats. Reflecting on her relationship with lifejackets, Sam recalls that as a child, wearing one was mandatory up to a certain age, after which it became optional.
Watch Sam C. go through the experiences below.
Pre-Interview
Stand-Up Paddleboard
Fishing Boat
Cold Water Tank
Warm Water Tank
Post-Interview
"That experience really taught me how intense and dangerous cold water can be.”
Sam found the Virtual Reality (VR) experiences realistic and impactful. She was shocked to fall overboard while fishing, saying, “You just don’t expect it. One moment I was catching a fish, and the next, I was in the water.”The Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) simulation also left an impression on Sam. She found the virtual reality experience very realistic, particularly in how it depicted an unexpected fall while paddling. Although real-life conditions would include more waves, she felt the simulation accurately represented what it could be like to fall off a board.
“I panicked and felt disoriented for a moment. It was hard to catch my breath, and I just wanted to get out as quickly as possible. It felt like I was in the cold tank much longer than I actually was.”
Reflecting on the dunk tank experience, Sam described the sudden drops as both startling and eye-opening. “I definitely gasped for air when I fell. That dropping sensation, combined with the shock of cold water, made me realize how dangerous it could be.” When comparing the dunk tank experiences to her cannonball jump, Sam noted that she had the same gasping reaction, trying to catch her breath. However, while she had expected to jump into the water during the cannonball, she knew she would be dropped into the dunk tanks but didn’t know when. The sudden drops shocked her more, as an unexpected fall was much more startling.
When comparing the dunk tank experiences to her cannonball jump, Sam noted that she had the same gasping reaction, trying to catch her breath. However, while she had expected to jump into the water during the cannonball, she knew she would be dropped into the dunk tanks but didn’t know when. The sudden drops shocked her more, as an unexpected fall was much more startling.
The cold water’s intensity in the dunk tank highlighted the importance of preparedness. “I panicked and felt disoriented for a moment. It was hard to catch my breath, and I just wanted to get out as quickly as possible. It felt like I was in the cold tank much longer than I actually was.”
After the experiences, Sam emphasized the critical role of lifejackets. “I’ve realized how important it is to wear a lifejacket. If I fell in without one, I’d worry about keeping my head above water and catching my breath. A flotation device could help prevent panic and keep me safe.”